10 Things To Do In Costa Rica
Costa Rica. Land of jungles, volcanoes, and beaches! A great place to vacation, whether for spring break or summer vacation, with friends or with family. You’ll find plenty of things to do here. Here’s a list of ten.
1. SCUBA-DIVING
This is an activity that I think everyone should try at least once in their life. However, you do need to take a certified diving course if you’re doing it for the first time. But it’s worth it. If you’re lucky enough that the weather’s good, you can see around you under the water for miles. And if you’re really lucky, you can get up close and personal with the local sea life. It is the best thing ever.
2. ZIP-LINING
By far my favorite activity on this list, challenged only by the previously mentioned scuba-diving, Zip-Lining is activity that almost anyone can take part in. There are many zip-lining courses that you can find all over Costa Rica, one as a long as mile, located in Central Valley, and another that includes 14 separate zip-lines that go down the side of a mountain. As long as you’re over 6 years old and under 300 pounds, you can zip-line as much as you want.
3. VOLCANO TOURS
Back when my family and I visited Costa Rica, my dad, more than anything, wanted to see an active volcano. Unfortunately for him, we were only able to see an inactive one. However, there are in fact 5 that are truly classified as ‘active volcanoes’, and another 100 that show signs of activity. Is there anything more awesome than seeing the lifeblood of the planet itself spewing out of the Earth?
4. FISHING FOR FUN
There are a lot of beautiful bays and beaches throughout Costa Rica. Finding a boat to charter for some fishing will be one of the easiest things to do. With the sun shining overhead, and pristine water on all sides, this can be one of the most relaxing activities on this list; second, in fact, to the next activity on this list.
5. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING
You heard me. Costa Rica has beautiful beaches, and you have every right to set yourself down on a hammock, and watch the clouds float by, or the surf crash against the beach. Listen to music, read a good book. One of the great things about going on vacation is that you can just relax and do nothing whatsoever.
6. THE SPA
Touching back on the ‘Absolutely Nothing’ Category, many of the hotels that you’ll consider booking your stay at to relax will boast some kind of healthcare facility. Book a visit at a spa, and I’m sure you’ll experience all your stress flowing out your body. And for the ladies, I’m sure there are beauty treatments that will make your trip to the spa a memorable one.
7. WATERFALL RAPELLING
Waterfall. Rapelling. This was another activity I did with my family, and while I did walk away with scraped hands, it was still totally worth. After a short climb through the rainforest, where you can admire the beautiful scenery, and maybe partake a little of the next activity on this list, you’ll be able to repel down some pre-approved waterfalls, some as high as 50 meters. A perfect activity for those wanting to get their blood pumping a little.
8. BIRD WATCHING
One of the more basic activities on this list, but the most rewarding. Costa Rica boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem. There are 900 species of birds in a region that’s smaller than some of the states in North America. If you apply yourself, I’m sure you can all sorts of exotic birds. Or, if you to be more chill about it, visit some preservations that dot the region, such as Central Volcanic Mountain Range or Carara Biological Reserve. There are birds here you’ll never find anywhere else in the world. So, thinking that you’ll see a bird only once in your whole life may not be as much an understatement as you might think.
9. HORSE-BACK RIDING
Another relaxing and nature-viewing activity, there are some horse-back rides that last all day that take you through the rainforest, and some that take you through the San Jose mountains in the morning. This is great way to view the nature of Cost Rica, and even a good way to do two activities on this list at once, since you can see all kinds of birds on the ride as well.
10. SURFING LESSONS
Surfing on the beaches of Costa Rica. You’re already imagining it in your head, aren’t you? And why shouldn’t you? This is the type of activity that leads to some of the best memories, and photo ops, you’ll have on this trip. But for beginners, you may need some patience, as it’s incredibly tricky the first time around, but it’s still worth it.
